What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Abracadabra Tut made its debut in July 2014.
What’s the book’s first line?
“Fletcher Perry couldn’t take his eyes off the coffin.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
When Fletcher Perry mysteriously wins the bid for a mummy’s coffin at a magician’s tag sale, he and his new assistant, the mega-popular Arielle Torres, find themselves unexpectedly transported to ancient Egypt, where Fletcher’s knowledge of modern-day magic tricks attracts the attention of King Tut. Thinking Fletcher must be a powerful sorcerer, Tut makes Fletcher his chief protector. Fletcher and Arielle, however, know that Tut is destined to die in his teens. The race is on for the two to decipher the message on a mysterious amulet, locate their missing coffin and get home before Fletcher’s magic is revealed to be so much hocus-pocus.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
When my son, Cole, was about 8 years old, he took an interest in stage magic and joined the Society of Young Magicians. This national organization of adult magic enthusiasts and professionals meets with kids once a month to share tricks and tips and encourages the next generation of magicians. One day I overheard one of the adult magicians mention that the practice of magic extends all the way back to ancient Egypt. Hmm. I did a little research and learned that the priests practiced a form of “healing” magic based on religious chants and magical “objects.” I wondered what might happen if a magician from the present ended up in ancient Egypt. What would the priests think of someone who could make things disappear or shoot flames from the tips of his fingers? Curious, I started to look into the story of King Tut. His death at the age of 18 was considered a mystery. Hmm. Was it murder? Accidental? My extensive research into recent scientific findings about King Tut, and also the fascinating story of his relationship with his wife, Ankhesenamen, fueled my imagination. And whoa…the idea took off from there!
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Fletcher loves an audience, but has to figure out a way to gain the confidence that’s required to pull it off. In some ways he reminds me of my son the young magician, who was passionate about the mechanics of magic but never quite able to muster the courage to perform. Fletcher kind of takes him one step further.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Abracadabra Tut is a fun, fast-paced read, full of action and adventure that offers surprises at every twist along the journey.
Here’s a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_dvB8wI908